COVID-19 Cases Increase Across the U.S.

COVID-19 cases are on the rise in most U.S. states according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Data from Wednesday indicates that infections are either growing or likely growing in 47 states, highlighting a summer surge. No states are currently seeing a decline in transmission, and only two are stable.

The CDC’s tracking system doesn’t measure exact case numbers but shows national transmission trends. Current data suggest higher virus activity as the country enters fall, a time when respiratory viruses typically increase. Health officials note that while the virus is spreading, severe cases are less frequent than in the pandemic’s early years.

Today it is uncommon for infection to progress to the severe stages, said Jonathan Pinsky, medical director at Endeavor Health. However, COVID can cause complications more often in the elderly, immune compromised, and others with chronic conditions.

Transmission and Symptoms

The CDC map shows growth across much of the country, with high transmission in Southern states such as Texas and South Carolina. Florida, North Carolina, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Alaska, and Hawaii are also experiencing growth. In Tennessee, Alabama, and Georgia, infections are likely increasing. Only Louisiana and Mississippi are classified as stable, whereas Iowa’s trend is unclear but its emergency department visits are very low.

States with large urban areas like California, New York, Pennsylvania, and Illinois are also seeing case increases. Common symptoms include sore throat, cough, congestion, fatigue, fever, and body aches. Some people report nausea or diarrhea. Tyler Evans, CEO of Wellness Equity Alliance, emphasized the importance of noting a sore throat, often mistaken for allergies.

The sore throat is often described as scratchy or hoarse. It’s frequently mistaken for allergies or a summer cold. That mistake matters, Evans stated. People who assume allergies do not test, and people who do not test do not get treated in the window when treatment works.

Causes of the Summer Surge

Experts link the rise in cases to decreasing community immunity and increased indoor gatherings driven by high temperatures, summer travel, and the return of students to school. Suraj Saggar, chief of infectious disease at Holy Name Medical Center, pointed out that cases tend to increase during the summer and back-to-school season.

We know this pattern, and it’s repeating now. It’s not surprising, Saggar said. Even though the word ‘surge’ can make it sound dramatic, we’re starting from a low baseline. An increase can be called a surge, but it’s much lower than the surges of 2021, 2022, or following years.

Impact on Schools

The current wave hasn’t led to widespread school closures like earlier in the pandemic, but officials are still monitoring the trends closely. Last week, San Perlita Independent School District in South Texas temporarily closed all campuses due to an increase in cases, aiming to protect health and safety.

Park Ridge Achievement Academy in Louisiana also temporarily shut down for a day due to a COVID outbreak among students and staff.

Future Outlook

The CDC plans to keep updating its epidemic trend estimates weekly as the U.S. moves into fall virus season. Health experts urge Americans to keep up with COVID vaccinations and boosters, notably older adults and those at higher health risks.

Between natural infection and vaccination, it’s no longer something the body has never seen before, Saggar said. The virus has mutated enough for infection but not enough to stop the immune system from recognizing it. That’s why severe illnesses and hospitalizations aren’t at the same level as early in the pandemic.